Upholding the value of pāua quota

In these rapidly changing times, socially, economically and environmentally, it is essential to bring all that we can of our knowledge of science, social justice and sustainable finance to underpin rural economies and the ecosystems they depend upon.  

Uniquely, this project brings together recent advances in marine science sedimentation and climate change knowledge with Māori pāua quota owners, sustainable finance, and pāua fishery management.

Using these recent marine science advances the project will include looking at the risks to the rural pāua fishery infrastructure from climate related sea level rise and storms i.e. boat ramps, wharves and roading.  

With respect to the focal Wairarapa Pāua fishery (PAU2), it is imperative to uphold its value to local communities, to quota owners and to the markets that prize it as a delicacy through: 

1. Understanding the risk to the fishery from climate change and sedimentation, and using that to influence investment decisions in better caring for the fishery and rural communities 
2. Knowing that the right management is in place and working effectively at all scales  

Tailored, nested management responses at various scales are essential given pāua is a sedentary coastal species. This is relevant from the fishery through to local landowners, and regional council catchment management. 

With a focus on sedimentation and climate change the project is: 

• Characterising the fishery 
• Building quantitative and qualitative risk analysis tools 
• Profiling these environmental risks as they pertain to the PAU2 Fishery 
• Documenting key response strategies that are essential to reduce that risk 

This mahi extends along the east coast of Te Ika-a-Māui from Southern Hawke’s Bay through the eastern border of Manawatū-Whanganui to Wairarapa.

For more information, contact Katherine Short 
[email protected] 022 108 3536